Naperville Area CHamber of Commerce Government Affairs Roundup

If you followed the coverage of the Illinois state budget in the broader media, you likely received a focus on the Illinois politics. Many articles only focused on the previous impasse with very little facts reported about what was included or excluded.

That’s unfortunate because the facts matter. What was funded and by how much has a significant impact on our state, but often doesn’t create a sizzling headline. But that’s why you’re here, right?

Firstly, I’m very thankful to have a full state budget. I firmly believe our state can be more successful when taxpayers, educational institutions, businesses, service providers and more know what to expect from our state.

It also includes $350 million for evidence-based funding for school districts and an additional $50 million for early childhood education. In addition, it increases funding for universities and community colleges by 2%.

It also includes pension reform that some estimate may save the state up to $445 million. It’s this last piece that I find the most interesting.

I am not a doe eyed optimist and I do not believe we should hang a “Mission Accomplished” banner at the Capitol Dome in Springfield. Even if we actualize the full amount of the estimated savings at $445 million, that figure would be less than 0.5% of our full pension liability.

But we need pension reform and I am happy to accept wins where I can. We will continue to work for more significant reforms that shore up the current system.